A cool pool 🏞️ Instagrams 📸 Kuwait 🇰🇼 a cool tool 🔨 and Lukaku ⚽

Tod Baker's concise reflections on his most recent and interesting experiences, published every sometimes.

Hi,

I hope all is well. I’m glad you’re here.

This week I failed to look cool in a pool, enjoyed photos of far away places, took in some first-person expat perspectives on Kuwait, appreciated my favorite to-do app, and learned more about my favorite World Cup player.

A cool pool 🏞️

On Wednesday afternoon, we cooled down in Barton Springs Pool. The water was Lake Superior cold and the bottom was natural. That is, it was slippery.

People and pets enjoy the natural spring water at Barton Springs Pool.

Wading in gingerly and trying to be cool while protecting my netherparts from shock, I slipped on the natural bottom, flipped my back into the frigid water, jumped up, and splashed face first into the water. Tatiana stood next to me while my legs and arms thrashed in the water. I might have screamed. Good thing that wasn’t a first date.

To get a first-person, expat perspective on living in Kuwait, we’ve been watching Madrileños por el Mundo: Kuwait. We love it! If you are interested about a location somewhere in the world, it’s likely this show can provide you with a unique perspective. (Spanish only.)

WorkFlowy is an organizational tool that makes life easier. It’s a surprisingly powerful way to take notes, make lists, collaborate, brainstorm, plan and generally organize your brain.

To manage the things to do for our move to Kuwait, I use WorkFlowy. Over the years, I’ve tried a handful of to-do apps, but this one is my favorite for its minimalist design and just enough features.

Favorite World Cup player ⚽

My favorite player in the World Cup was Romelu Lukaku. His athleticism and presence on the field demanded my attention. I would like to see him in classrooms and schools talking with students about goals, not just soccer goals but those that give your life purpose and help you overcome obstacles.